 Referendum on the presidential system

After President Erdoğan's narrow victory in the referendum on the introduction of a presidential system people are still protesting against electoral fraud in several Turkish cities. Opposition parties called last week for the vote to be annulled but the electoral commission rejected the demand. The discontented must now close ranks and forge a strong opposition, commentators urge.

After the yes to the constitutional reform in Turkey the EU faces the question of how to redefine its relations with the country, which is officially still a candidate for EU accession. Tensions in Turkey are running high and Europe must treat it with kid gloves, some commentators warn. Others believe the country should even lose its Nato membership.

The presidential system Erdoğan wants to introduce received far more support from Turks in Europe than from those living in Turkey itself. According to the state news agency Anadolu, almost 60 percent of European Turks voted Yes in the referendum. What does the result tell us about the integration of Turks in Europe, and what action should be taken?

in a referendum on April 16, the Turks will vote on the introduction of a new presidential system that would see President Erdoğan's powers substantially increased. Opponents and supporters of the constitutional reform are neck and neck in the polls. Commentators complain about unequal conditions for the two camps in the campaign and argue that in the end Erdoğan only stands to lose.

No further campaign rallies will be held in Germany ahead of the constitutional referendum in mid-April, according to the governing AKP party. Prior to this decision Turkey's President Erdoğan had accused Germany of resorting Nazi methods and the Netherlands had banned Turkish ministers from addressing rallies. Can the rift between the EU and Ankara be mended?

After the Turkish president accused Angela Merkel of using Nazi practices the latter has given up her reserved stance in the row over AKP politicians appearing at campaign rallies. Merkel said she would not allow all the taboos to be broken and indirectly threatened to ban campaign events in Germany. For many German journalists this still doesn't go far enough. Turkish commentators, on the other hand, speculate that Berlin is pursuing a hidden agenda.

In the row over cancelled appearances of Turkish politicians in Germany Turkey's President Erdoğan has accused the German authorities of using Nazi practices. Some journalists harshly condemn Erdoğan's provocations and say the president has gone too far. Pro-government Turkish media angrily counter that flimsy excuses are being used in Germany to prevent AKP politicians from campaigning.

The campaign for the referendum on April 16 is under way in Turkey. The parliament in Ankara gave the green light in mid-January for a constitutional amendment that could see the introduction of a presidential system in Turkey. With the help of votes from the far-right MHP, the ruling AKP achieved the majority it needed to hold a referendum on the reform. What would a presidential system mean for Turkey?